Winter music camp -- So you got a new guitar (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, etc.) for Christmas and your resolution for the New Year is to play some more. But you could sure use some classes to get you going? Well, then music camp is just right place for you! The new CBA Winter Music Camp, taking place February 15th-18th near Petaluma in western Marin County, is starting to fill up, but there is still some room left. A finger-style guitar class, taught by Steve Baughman, has also been added for the first time. Go to the web page above more info.

Old Fashioned deadline -- The annual NCBS Good Old Fashioned Festival won’t be happening in Hollister until August 13th-15th, but you need to apply by December 31st, so get your applications in now. Info and an application form can be found here.

IBMA Showcase Band deadline -- If you are considering submitting your bluegrass band for a showcase slot at the next International Bluegrass Music AssociationWorld of Bluegrass conference in September of 2010 the deadline for doing such is January 15th. Go to the website for more info.

Old-time is not a crime on NPR -- Yesterday on the National Public Radio show Morning Edition there was a real nice story about old-time fiddler Henry Reed that you can listen to here.

Jammin’ in Alameda -- The place to be for bluegrass pickin’ on Monday nights is McGrath’s Pub in Alameda. Starting at 8:30 p.m. you’ll find familiar faces all around you on bass, mandolins, guitars, banjos and fiddles.

Jammin’ in Signal Hill -- Every Monday night, from 6-9 p.m., there is a bluegrass jam at Curley’s Café in Signal Hill. The address is 1999 E Willow Street at Cherry Avenue. Everyone is welcome. For more info contact Jim Wieser at jimmy351@aol.com.

Jammin’ in Ventura -- Zoey’s Café in Ventura features bluegrass jammin’ on the second and fourth Monday of every month from 6-9:30 p.m.